TENS of thousands of women across Dorset missed their smear test during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, figures suggest.

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust said a national drop in cervical screening combined with "unprecedented strain" on the health service could lead to more women being diagnosed with preventable cancers.

The charity's warning came as NHS England data showed more than a quarter of the 105,210 women eligible for cervical screening in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole during 2020-21 did not attend an appointment.

This means 71 per cent of those eligible were screened – down from 73 per cent the year before - 30,025 women in the area missed out.

Nearly a quarter of the 88,950 women eligible for cervical screening in wider Dorset during 2020-21 did not attend an appointment. In Dorset, 77% of those eligible were screened – down from 78 per cent the year before.

It means an estimated 50,487 women across the county missed out.

Intended to detect abnormalities within the cervix, routine 'smear tests' are offered to women between the ages of 25 and 64 in an effort to prevent cervical cancer.

Many women were also put off attending their screenings due to concerns about their risk of catching coronavirus during the appointment, according to research from Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.

Cervical screenings look for changes in the cells of the cervix which could develop into cancer.

During the screenings, a soft brush is used to collect a small sample of cells which is then tested for any abnormalities.

Women aged 49 and under are invited for tests every three years while those older receive invites every five years.

Uptake in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole during 2020-21 was higher for older women, with 75 per cent of those aged 50 to 64 receiving a smear test, compared to 70 per cent of women between 25 and 49.

Despite older women being more likely to attend screenings nationally, in Dorset, the proportion of women screened was about the same for those aged 25 to 49 as it was for those between 50 and 64.

Jane Horne, consultant in Public Health with Public Health Dorset said: "NHS cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer. It saves thousands of lives from cervical cancer each year in the UK. Women are being called for their smear as normal, but if you think you are due to have cervical screening and have not been sent an invitation, please contact your GP.

"I understand that some women may have felt nervous about attending their GP at times during the COVID pandemic, but all NHS services are making sure it’s safe for you to attend when needed, and cervical screening appointments are still being offered. It’s important to go to your appointment unless you have symptoms of COVID-19."